went well

USAGE SUMMARY

"went well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the outcome of an event, plan, or situation, for example: The party went well and everyone had a great time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thankfully, that went well".

The New York Times

The operation went well.

The New York Times

Trig's procedure went well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Luckily all went well.

The New York Times

The surgery went well.

Independent

"But it went well".

The New York Times - Sports

It went well".

The New York Times

"Sometimes it went well.

The New York Times

All went well.

The New York Times

The G20 went well.

The Economist

Operation went well.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went well" to describe the successful completion or outcome of an event, project, or process. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "went well" in formal reports can sound simplistic. Consider stronger verbs and more descriptive language to convey the degree of success, for example: "exceeded expectations" or "achieved optimal results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went well" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the successful outcome or positive progression of an event, process, or activity. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "went well" is a versatile and widely used phrase to express that something had a successful or satisfactory outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, although stronger alternatives may be considered for formal writing. The phrase sees frequent use in news media, academic writing and across science related papers, indicating broad applicability. When choosing between "went well" and its alternatives like "proceeded smoothly" or "was a success", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "went well" is generally neutral in tone, more descriptive language can enhance clarity and impact, especially in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeded smoothly

Focuses on the manner of progress, highlighting the lack of issues or interruptions.

turned out favorably

Emphasizes the positive result or outcome of a situation.

was a success

Directly states that something achieved a positive result.

achieved the desired outcome

Highlights that the intended goal was reached.

was fruitful

Implies that something produced positive results or benefits.

panned out positively

Suggests that something unfolded in a good way.

proved effective

Indicates that something worked as intended.

ran like clockwork

Emphasizes the precision and efficiency of the process.

came off without a hitch

Highlights the absence of problems or difficulties.

yielded positive results

Emphasizes that something produced good outcomes or consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "went well" in a sentence?

You can use "went well" to describe a past event that had a positive outcome. For example, "The meeting "went well", and we secured the contract."

What are some alternatives to saying "went well"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "proceeded smoothly", "turned out favorably", or "was a success".

Is it appropriate to use "went well" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable, but in formal contexts, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "exceeded expectations" or "achieved optimal results" for greater impact.

What's the difference between "went well" and "went smoothly"?

"Went well" focuses on the positive outcome, while "went smoothly" emphasizes the lack of problems during the process. They both suggest a positive experience, but highlight different aspects.